Aswan, Egypt's southernmost
city, has long been the country's gateway to Africa.
The prosperous market city
straddles the crossroads of the ancient caravan routes,
at the 'other' end of the Nile
not far above the Tropic of Cancer. In antiquity, the caravans
of the desert brought there
gold, precious wood, ivories, pelts of leopard and the spices
which perfume the souks still
today. In ancient times it was a strategic zone garrisons
of soldiers and mercenaries
known as Swenet (meaning 'Trade'), and it was also important
to the early Coptic Christians.
The main town and temple area of Swenet were located on Elephantine Island
in the middle of Nile (the island was known then as Yebu(elephant or ivory),
and later renamed by the Greeks. If you're not 'tombed out', a visit to the
Tombs
of the Nobles is worthwhile, and
a highlight is the Nubian Museum, showcasing history, art and Nubian culture
from the prehistoric to the present. The Nile is glorious here as it makes
its way down from massive High Dam and Lake Nasser - watching the feluccas
glide by as the sun sets over the Nile is an experience you're unlikely to
forget. Don't miss out a massive view over the Agha Khan Mausoleum who is a
supreme religious chief of a Moslem Ismaelian sect, which includes
approximately 4 million believers, especially from Pakistan, Agha Khan
(1877-1957) wished being buried in this place where it remained each year; a
visit to Philae Temple which was dedicated to the worship of goddess Isis.
